Biomimetic sensors for monitoring of Norovirus and SARS-C ov-2 genetic variants in water

In this project, we intend to develop sensitive, robust and low-cost sensors and affinity reagents for the analysis of waterborne viruses in waste- and raw- water.

The approach is based on the combined use of Reversible Self- Assembled Monolayers (rSAMs) and nanoplasmonic optical sensors, all in all offering an easily restorable surfaces for virus catch and release and sensors for ultrasensitive real time virus detection.

The project will be coordinated by Malmö University, and involves two academic partners: Linköping University and the Swedish Agricultural University, and collaborating water suppliers and treatment plants.The aims of the project are:1.

To investigate and optimize rSAMs for multivalent recognition and enrichment of waterborne viruses comprising Norovirus, SARS-CoV-2 and their genetic variants.2. To develop robust nanoplasmonic sensors for antibody-free ultrasensitive and rapid in situ detection of viruses3.

To validate sensors for virus detection and monitoring in water matrices that can be used to aid local health authorities.Based on high affinity and fast recognition of the intact viruses this approach addresses the drawbacks of current methods used in environmental epidemiology (e.g. incompatibility with real time monitoring, insensitivity to mutant strains etc).